HC Deb 15 July 1930 vol 241 cc1102-3
51. Mr. P. OLIVER

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the grounds for the continued refusal of a grant to the Manchester Royal College of Music similar to the grants made to the other two chartered colleges of music in England?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

It is only in the most exceptional circumstances that State grants are given to any institutions from the Vote for Scientific Investigations etc. The Vote has for many years provided grants to the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music, London, not because they are chartered colleges, but because, like the other Institutions included in the Vote, they are national in their scope.

Mr. OLIVER

Is not this a very invidious distinction between London and the rest of England?

Mr. PETHICK - LAWRENCE

This arrangement has gone on for very many years, and I am afraid I could not add anything to the answer.

Mr. OLIVER

Is this precedent of past Governments to count?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

I am afraid I cannot add anything to the answer.

Mr. HARDIE

What is the basis of the grant?